In America alone, only about 51% of Americans exercise 3 or more times per week, and 18% only exercise 1-2 times per week (Shy). Unfortunately, 30% of Americans do not engage in any extracurricular activities or exercise (Blackburn). For people who don't exercise, give it a try because you will really only benefit from it. Those who already know the health benefits of exercise. Besides just exercising, one or more activities you could do is weightlifting/strength training. Most people don't think about it, but strength training is actually a key part of exercise. Strength training, one of the most important parts of exercise, is usually neglected. People don't understand that something as simple as jumping jacks is considered strength training. Most people around the world also do not understand the health benefits. Some may try for a few days or weeks and expect drastic changes, but change doesn't happen that quickly. You can't go see a cow and expect a cheeseburger. Change doesn't happen that quickly. Most people turn to strength training to lose weight or even gain muscle mass. These are the reasons why I started strength training, but later discovered all the other health benefits that come with it. Health benefits can be classified into two categories: physical health and mental health. Physical health begins with losing excess fat or gaining muscle, improving endurance, preventing disease and muscle loss, and building bone and muscle density. Mental strength training can help with anxiety and depression, and it even improves your thinking skills. Overall, it can also help increase your life expectancy by several years (McMullen 1). Strength physical activities...... middle of paper ...... could possibly improve your mental health. People who don't stay hydrated, we hear about when they pass out due to dehydration and loss of oxygen to the brain. Hydration is definitely something that helps improve your thinking and mental health. Overall, strength training and staying hydrated can really improve not only your physical health but your mental health as well. They lose excess fat or gain muscle, help with endurance/endurance, prevent disease and muscle loss, build bone and muscle density, help with anxiety and depression, and it even improves your thinking skills. With all these health benefits, you may also notice muscle tone or in other words, you start looking sexy or muscular. Strength training should be a part of everyone's life, and it definitely could be a part of your.